Game-ball bladder



- 1927. 7 I a. L. LAWRENCE. JR

GAME BALL BLADDER Filed Dec. 1 1 .25:

&

arena? GAME-BALI. BIZAKDDER.

Application. filed December 1.5, 1926. Serial in. 154,992

My present invention is a novel and im proved bladder, and method of manufacturing and. assembling same, and relates also to inflatable balls using the bladder constructed according to my present .invention.

An important object of the present invention is the provision of a bladder which will be simple to construct, and result in economy of manufacture.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a bladder which will be effibient. air-proof, and able to withstand the rough usage given to such inflated bladders and balls. 7

My novel bladder is particularly adaptable for use in sport balls. such as footballs, soccer balls, basketbalis and the like. These bails, as usually constructed, have a cover of leather or fabric; contain a rubber bladder which is adapted to contain air without leakage, and inflated to any desired degree.

A further object of the invention is to provide means associated with the valve and valve stem which will efiectually overcome the tendency of the valve stem to wobble or be distorted from its position in the opening of the bladder. To accomplish this desirable result I preferably Wrap the valve stem with a plurality of layers of elastic material, which will have a broad bearing surface on material other than the bladder itself, thus holding the valve and valve stem or casing securely in position. Further features of the invention,novcl combinations of parts, and advantages, will be hereinafter more fully pointed out and claimed.

Referring to the drawings, illustrating a preferred embodiment of my invention,

Fig. l is a fragmentary detail, in cross section, of a portion of the bladder;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the valve stem or casing; I

Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the wrapping strips;

Fig. 5 is aperspective view of the rubber washer utilized; 7

Fig; 6 is a perspective view of the fabric washer utilized; 7

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the wrapped valve stem;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the wrapped valve stem with the combined fabric and rubber washer secured thereto; and

ing the assembled bladder and bag.

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view illustrat As shown in the drawings, 1 preferably utilize an inner casing or bladder body portion. 1 of rubber; In this bladder material I forina hole or recess 2, through which the wrapped valve stem passes. The valve stem or casing 3 is first wrapped witha layer 4, preferably also of rubber material,

subsequent to which the strip 5 is wrapped around the wrapping 4. at or adjacent the upper end of the first said wrapping. l". next utilize a washer 6, preferably of rubber, and having an aperture Z therethrough, To this washer 6 is adhered a second washer or disc 8, which 1 preferably make of fabric, although other materials may be found equally applicable. The disc or washer 8 has an aperture 9 adapted to aline, in assembled position, with the aperture 7 in the washer 6'. This assembled washer comprising the discs 6 and 8, is then inserted over the threaded end 10 of the valve 3. the apertures or holes? and 9 permitting passage of the combined washer 6 and 8 over the threaded head 10 of the valve. This unit, comprising the valve 3, wrapping 4 and wrapping 5' together with the combined fabric washer 8 and rubber washer 6 is then ready for application to the bladder. Union between the several component parts already referred to is preferably caused by cement, viz, the washer 8 would be secured to the Washer 6 by cement, and the combined washer secured to the top of the wrapping 4 and 5 by cement. This united valve and washers is now inserted through the recess 2 in the bladder, 1, this recess 2 being of a sufiicient diameterto permit the entrance of the wrapped valve stem. Fig. 9 illustrates the wrapped valve stem and washer in position in the bladder, the washers 6 and 8 being secured to the bladder, preferably by cement, and turned up or down along the valve stem as at 19. 11 illustrates very clearly the bond or union between the wrappings 4 and 5 and the washer 8. The bladder 1, in a deflated condition is then inserted through a slit 12 in a ball 17 of any desired type, having a flap 13 therein. The flap 13 is then placed over the valve and washers, having a hole 14 therethrough which permits the fla 13 to be placed over the valve head 10. cap 15, of'approximately the same diameter as the threaded head 10, is also provided, internally threaded or screwed into the head 10. A metallic Washer 16 also preferably is threaded on the head 10. pressing the flap 13 against the washer 6, and thus securing the flap 13 as well as the cover 17 to the bladder generally. Lacing 18 is utilized to closethe slit 12, I which lacing comes substantially flush with the cap 15 or the head 10 may protrude through or into the cover at some point remote from the slit 12. The cap 15 may be readily removed for inflating the bladder, 10 ,and the construction herein illustrated also permits checking of the pressure Within the bladder by suitable gauge if desired. While I have necessarily described my present invention son'iewhat in detail, it will 5 be appreciated that I may vary the size, shape and arrangement of parts, within reasonably wide limits without departing from the spirit of the invention My invention is further described and defined in the form of a claim as follows An inflated ball having a rubber bladder with a, hole therethrough, a valve stem wrapped with a plurality of layers of suitable material throughoutvarying portions of its length, and inserted through said hole without distortion ot-the material surrounding said hole, a portion of said valve projecting outside of the bladder, a composite fabricand rubber washer to which said valve wrappings and valve are secured, said coml)ine(lv asliei being adhered to the outside of the bladder surrounding saidvalve stem and hole a cover for enclosing said bladder having, a flap attached thereto and formed with a holethrough which said protruding portion of the valve extends the outer portion of said .valve being threaded, and a threaded washeradapted to be threadedon said valve casing and elampthe said flap,

and. hence the cover, to the bladder.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

senses in riawnnsen; JR 

